(Elderberry)
Discovered on an old plantation in the Piedmont region of North Carolina by elderberry grower Rodger Lenhardt of Norms Farms. Rodger tells us that this variety is exceptionally vigorous and fast growing, growing as much as 2.5m/8ft in one year. It can reach heights of 5m/16ft if you let it but Rodger keeps it pruned so harvesting is easier. The canes can get up to 5cm/2" in diameter so it looks like it will be a long lasting, durable variety. It is early to flower and early to set fruit, several weeks before other cultivars. The berry clusters are huge, the size of a dinner plate, and the berries ripen all at one time and are less prone to shatter.